Reviews (10)

Wonderful! Just Wonderful!
Christy: A Change of Seasons is just a wonderful movie for both children and parents. I just love the whole Christy series, movie and mini-series. The story was aired on PAX tv in a two part series starring Lauren Lee Smith as Christy Huddleston. The story starts out on a wonderful night in Cutter Gap. All the residents in Cutter Gap gather to the Mission House to watch a movie which Christy (Smith) borrowed for Miss Alice Henderson's birthday. But as the story moves on not everything is so peaceful and happy. A few days later, after Doctor Neil MacNeill (played by Stewart Finley McLannen from the orginal series) exames some residents, he discovers that typhoid has come to the good people of Cutter Gap. Almost everyone becomes ill, encluding David Grantland, (played by James Waterston, son of actor Sam Waterston)the young mission preacher. Christy is devistated by the death of her dear friend Fairlight Spencer (played by Ingrid Torrance) and begins to question her belief in God. Christy throws herself into help Dr. MacNeill care for the ill and tries not to think about her loss. But David offers her hope and his heart to her. So she accepts his proposal. Miss Alice also tries to help Christy through her troubles, but she is also battling problems of her own. Dr. MacNeill soon finds out about Christy's choice to marry David and decides to leave the Cove, rather then see the woman he loves marry another. To find out what happens next and see who Christy marries check out Christy: A New Beginning.

Extremely good movie of love, redemption and renewal
This continuation of COTH Part 1 begins 3 months after Dr. Neil MacNeill has left Cutter Gap, TN. Christy Huddleston is seen growing ever more conflicted over her engagement to David Grantland while preoccupied with a wedding that is two weeks away. Dr. MacNeill's unexpected return to the cove further complicates the young woman's emotional state.

A surprise invitation from one of the suitors is the prelude to an impassioned declaration as the skies break into what becomes a torrential rainstorm. The risk of traveling back to the mission house in Cutter Gap necessitates staying overnight in a nearby cabin. A dramatic confrontation leads to the most revealing, emotionally bare conversations of the movie.

Stewart Finlay-McLennan gives the single best, most affecting performance of the entire movie and possibly his career in a scene that is pivotal for his character, Dr. Neil MacNeill. Lauren Lee Smith remains luminescent and vivacious in her performance as Christy Huddleston. James Waterston plays an earnest and likeable David Grantland. Lush mountain scenery, a well-written script and extremely good acting from the cast make this movie a joy for the mind and heart.

The subtitle for the movie is "A New Beginning." By the end of the movie and of the storm, the viewer sees the seeds for renewal in the lives of several characters. The potential for continuation of this classic story is well worth the effort and more than worthy of the viewer's time.

A tad disappointed
The 1 star is for the cast who returned from the CBS series, especially Steward Finlay-McClennan's Dr. MacNeil! Having loved the series & the book, I was a bit disappointed with Lauren Lee Smith, Tyne Daly & Sam W. portrayals of key characters. The original series' cast (Kellie Martin, Tyne Daly & Randall Batinkoff) were much more realistic & believable (the movies sometimes had over-acting... ah, what could have been!). All in all, perhaps 'newbies' could start with the series before seeing the movies. For Christy fans who have a hard time swallowing Smith's performance over Kellie Martin's (or Miss Alice & David), I'd think twice before buying the movies.

Not the best...
I love the book Christy and though I think it's usually hard for a tv or movie version of a book to totally live up to it's namesake, the first series did this job pretty well I think. This version, however, was overacted (Other than Dr. McNeil's character which I still think was acted pretty well),and the characters didn't have the heart and spirit that they did in the book. The overacting and poorly done camera work make what is a great story seem hokey and dumbed down. Also many of the characters aren't very well cast either. I don't recommend this version at all but still recommend the book and the other television version of this story.

Great Family Movie
I am a fan of the Christy series, and this movie is faithful to the original theme and spirit.

I highly recommend getting it if you want to find out who Christy ends up marrying..Dr. MacNeil or David...:) I won't spoil the surprise. ... Read more

Description

DVD Special Features: DVD-ROM- The complete novel:Little Men by Louisa MayAlcott.Cast Profiles, Interactive Menu and Scene Selection ... Read more

Reviews (10)

One of the Best Family-Oriented Series
I watched "Little Men" for 2 years on PAX TV when it originally aired and fell in love with this delightful, heartwarming family drama. Safe for the entire family to enjoy, "Little Men" will warm your heart with valuable lessons, charming anectdotes, and a house of boys and girls tumbling through life's many adventures.

In addition to the rambunctions children of the series, is the burgeoning relationship between Jo Bhaer and the new caretaker of Plumfield, Nick Riley. After the unexpected death of her husband Fritz, (which may alarm many L.M. Alcott fans) Jo finds herself torn between her past and her future. The addition of Nick Riley to the story-line, though a major change in the original plot of the novel, is pivotal to the series. He adds the charm, roughness, and tenderness of a man wrestling with his own past as he quickly falls in love with a woman of strength and courage unlike any he has ever known.

Anyone who purchases this series on DVD (the first 2 include the first 4 episodes) will undoubtedly enjoy it....

A treasure for the whole family
This series was based upon the classic Louisa May Alcott book "Little Men". Although it does move away from the book in certain ways, the series still brings the charm of Alcott's novel to the small screen. The scripts are well written, the acting superb, and the stories are timeless. This DVD, containing the first 4 episodes of the series, will be something to treasure and which can be shared with children and adults alike for many years to come.

I loved the book but the movie......
They killed off Joe's husband so she could have a romance? Oh sure no problem.NOT! Also I missed Meg's kids being in the story.Oh yeah and Joe's other son. The acting wasnt the best either. If you are looking for a movie that will bring the book you read to life do not count on this movie.

An Outstanding Release That Leaves You Wanting More
I can't say enough about this series that unfortunately ran for only 2 seasons. I recently bought the two DVD set of the first 4 episodes, and the picture & sound quality are excellent. Sorry, but I'm dying to say this - Spencer Rochfort's (Nick) eyes are incredible! This series is well acted with good stories appropriate for the whole family. Although it is an extention of LM Alcott's work and includes invented characters such as Nick, the romantic interest for Jo, it seems realistic and in keeping with the flavour that Miss Alcott was trying to portray through her writings. The romance between them is very sweet and is in no way "over the top". It isn't one of those productions that leaves purists such as myself feeling betrayed by the presentation of the story or characters, and now I wouldn't want to be without those new characters! My favourite actors are Trevor Blumas who plays Nat and Robin Dunne as Franz Bhaer. The DVD includes bios of some of the characters and also there are extra features for those who have a DVD-ROM. It is interesting to note that one of the executive producers, Carl Binder, (who also produced Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman for 3 years), is Canadian as well as most of the actors/actresses. It seems to be a joint production between Canada and the United States. It is very much in the flavour of other outstanding Canadian productions such as Road to Avonlea by Sullivan Entertainment. Those of you who like those shows will definitely like this as well. I was also amazed when reading the bios, how much the teenagers have in common with one another in real life. They are a very athletic and musical group of individuals. Together they made an excellent team in this outstanding family show. My biggest disappointment of course is that there are not more episodes available on DVD. I'm presently ordering copies of this release for my friends. I am hoping that since this DVD was just released last year (2003) there is still a chance that they will release the rest. I hope the producers are reading this!! Also it would be good if any future releases were closed captioned or subtitled for the hard of hearing, as these were not included in this edition.

Family Entertainment at it's Best
I agree with the other reviews. This is a great family series. I happened across it on PAX before I received my Dish network. I was only able to get poor reception and it was on the weekends so I rarely was able to see it. When I came across the DVD, I couldn't wait to order it. I then shared it with other family members and they all thoroughly enjoyed it. From the youngest to the oldest, brothers, sisters, cousins, nephews, neices they all wanted to get the DVD and are begging for more.

The only thing that could be better than this DVD is the release of the whole series on DVD. Hurry, the sooner, the better. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Excellent movie!
The movie took me inside the Underground Railroad and showed how people of all walks of life were involved in assisting African-Americans in helping them cross into Canada.

Race to Freedom: The Underground Railroad
I just watched this movie for a study in my history class, and was completely captivated. I thought it was going to be a boring
school movie, but was amazed to find otherwise. After the film ended, I was heartbroken because I wanted to watch it again. Fortunately, I know that it is available on video so I might purchase it in the near future. RACE TO FREEDOM is a superbly acted, well dramatized historical film that displays the horror
of slavery with great intelligence. This film is well scripted
and well laid out. The ending, though being very fairy-taleish
is extremely happy and when it ended, our class clapped. Hehe, and when Solomon shot the bounty hunter (from 'Cowboys Don't Cry'), our class cheered. An excellent film.

Excellent and spell-binding movie.
This video is an excellent addition to anyone's library. It follows the journeys of four runaway slaves to the promised land in Canada. The filming is beautiful and the story heartrending and powerful. Shows the difference that human beings can make by helping one another against the odds. I would definitely recommend this movie.

Good but still Hollywood
This is a film demonstrating the frustrating experiences and heroic attempts of abolitionists and fugitive slaves. It is a great introduction to the subject for younger viewers. Some scenes are graphic in violence (true to life). Other sequences are little more than stereotypical vehicles for a storybook happy ending. The cruelty of slavery is minimized, yet the terror of attempted escape is portrayed intensely. The streamlined representation of the Underground Railroad is romantacized and not enough credit is given to the initiative of the runaways themselves. As a film it is engaging. As a representation of history it needs a clarifying introduction.

Excellent Movie For The Family/Youngest
This movie explain what it was like in those days and how they plan to escape to freedom. And what they had to go through in search of freedom.

This movie is sad and also has joy and happiness,when they found freedom.

I have watch this movie and enjoyed it very much and it teaches the youngest today about what slavery was like and how today we should love one another, no matter what colour we are...... One movie to be watched!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ... Read more